TV Recap: Agents of SHIELD – 1.04 – Eye-Spy

“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” continues to truck on into a new world post-“Avengers”, and the intrigue builds as the big bad is slowly being revealed. We still don’t know who they are, or what their agenda is but they are organized, technically advanced, and very cunning. Agent Coulson and crew had their hands full of espionage goodness in this week’s episode “Eye Spy.”

The Story:

So this was another espionage heavy episode, but there was a lot more. The overarching plot of the secret organization that seems to be several steps ahead of S.H.I.E.L.D. is actually becoming kind of intriguing, but they need to start giving us a little more to work with. A symbol, a name, or even a reference would help move things along. I just find it hard to believe that there is an organization that is more organized than S.H.I.E.L.D., has access to better tech, and can stay completely under the radar the way they have. But that’s part of the intrigue, as each episode gets us a little closer to these seemingly random cases that are somehow connected. Also constantly referencing the events of “The Avengers” is starting to become old hat. We get it, the world has changed!

All that said, I still enjoyed the episode, it had some cool concepts, some interesting moments and another insight into the mystery of Coulson. The episode revolved around a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent named Akela Amador (Pascale Armand), who was a protégé of Coulson’s, and it’s that relationship that figures heavily into the plot. Also, her being a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent gives her some serious skills and lends to the espionage aspect.

The Crew:

Coulson’s gang is getting along better this episode. Agent May (Ming-Na Wen) has settled into her role as second-in-command and field operative. Though she doesn’t do a whole lot in the field, she does see some action. Agent Ward and Skye (Brett Dalton and Chloe Bennett) are still getting along famously. Not sure how their relationship is supposed to go, as at first there was some sexual tension, but it’s looking more like he sees a little of himself in her and is treating her like a little sister. Agents Fitz and Simmons (Iain De Caestecker and Elizabeth Hentstridge) still bring the funny, but have a larger role in the episode, as well as explaining just how advanced their shadowy adversaries are. As a whole the team works well together and I hope they get to spend some more time building the relationships between all the characters, as some seem more comfortable with others and some almost don’t interact.

Coulson:

The crux of our show. The reason most people tune in to watch “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”. Clark Gregg’s Agent Coulson was a break-out among the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it’s no wonder he’s headlining the show. His intelligence and skill are second only to his heart and dedication to his work and his team. This is evidenced when we get the background information on Amador and his reluctance to give up on her even when his team is telling him she’s a lost cause. It also shows his true intention to not give up on anyone, since he was given a second chance at life. And that is where things get strange. An almost “throwaway” line of, “But what did they do to him?” when Agent May is explaining Coulson’s change in demeanor, and a conversation between Amador and Coulson gives us clues that Coulson was different way before his apparent death, but that change wasn’t all that was done. Agent May has history with Coulson and she was as perplexed as the audience.

All in all, another solid episode in my opinion. Sure, some things could pick up more, but the pace is good, the tone is right, and the intrigue is building to what could be a very interesting climax. I look forward to future episodes, and hope to see some returning characters as they’ve already come across a few good ones that could fit in with the team, or at least give a helping hand.